Trick-or-treaters dressed in their best costumes this year and made their way to Lynne’s Riding School in Forest Hills for the first annual Halloween Safehouse.

Parents and their kids lined up for free horseback riding, took part in some pumpkin carving, ate candy and enjoyed a night of holiday-themed activities.

Vita Ballatore, a resident of Middle Village, brought her son and two daughters to get a feel for riding horseback and to take part in the festivities.

“I didn’t even know this was in the neighborhood,” Ballatore said. “It’s an alternative for trick or treating. It's safe for the kids – parent control on the candy – and it’s just a fun way to spend Halloween.”

Lynne’s, located at 88-03 70th Rd., is a lesson-based academy offering about five miles of riding paths through Forest Park. It teaches students of all ages how to ride both English and Western style riding.

Eddie “Cowboy Eddie” Abraham, business manager and coordinator for Lynne's for the last 10 years, said they have always strived to reach out to the community and take part in outreach activities.

“We do a lot of activities for the kids, as you can see here,” he said. “We try to make this a family place for everybody to come and everybody to get out and ride.”

Abraham added that while most people wouldn’t think of New York City as a place for horse riding, the region actually has more to offer than one may think.

“New York and New Jersey are the largest horse states in the country,” Abraham said. “The first known horse ranch to man was out on Long Island.”